countyscore
33.9
County Score
Cost of Living 53Schools 52.3Weather & Climate 39.6

County Report Card

About Cherokee County, Texas

Affordable but Challenged

Cherokee County earns a composite score of 33.9, which sits significantly below the national median of 50.0. The county offers a lower cost of entry but faces headwinds in several quality-of-life categories.

Below the Texas Average

At 33.9, Cherokee County tracks behind the Texas state average of 41.9. It remains an affordable option but requires trade-offs in services and infrastructure compared to state peers.

Housing Value and Solid Schools

The county is relatively affordable with a Cost Score of 53.0 and a median home value of $160,300. Its School Score of 52.3 provides a baseline of educational stability for local families.

Safety and Health Deficits

Cherokee faces significant hurdles in Water (6.6) and Health (16.2). Safety is also a concern, with a score of 22.0 suggesting higher-than-average security risks.

A Starting Point for Budget Buyers

This county is best for individuals or families focused on low-cost homeownership who can manage their own healthcare and water needs. It offers a path to property ownership that is increasingly rare.

Score breakdown

Tax25.2Cost53Safety22Health16.2Schools52.3Income38.6Risk38.4Water6.6Weather39.6
🏛25.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨19.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Anderson County
Texas
41
Houston County
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39.4
Rusk County
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41.9
Nacogdoches County
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Smith County
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Angelina County
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Freestone County
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Trinity County
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Deep Dives

Cherokee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cherokee County

via TaxByCounty

Cherokee taxes well below national median

Cherokee County's 1.211% effective rate produces a median tax of $1,941 on a $160,300 home—roughly 28% below the national median tax burden. This places Cherokee in the bottom third of U.S. counties for property tax load.

Slightly above Texas average

Cherokee's 1.211% rate edges slightly below Texas's 1.276% average, and its $1,941 median tax runs about $252 below the state median of $2,193. The county ranks in the middle of Texas's 254 counties for overall tax burden.

Middle-ground in east Texas

Cherokee sits between lower-tax Cass County (1.063%) and higher-tax Carson County (1.362%) among regional peers, offering a balanced tax environment. Its home values and rates both reflect a moderate-income east Texas market.

Cherokee County tax estimates

A home valued at Cherokee's median of $160,300 generates approximately $1,941 in annual property taxes at the 1.211% rate. With mortgage-related additions, annual tax obligations reach about $2,635.

Dispute inflated assessments

Cherokee County homeowners should verify their property values against recent arm's-length sales of comparable homes. Filing an appeal when assessments exceed market value can reduce your annual tax burden by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cherokee County

via CostByCounty

Cherokee County: Modestly affordable East Texas

Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% runs 2.5 percentage points higher than the national average, reflecting modest upward pressure on housing costs despite relatively low rents of $880 monthly. The county falls into Texas's affordability mainstream, neither particularly strained nor relieved.

Slightly above Texas average affordability

At 17.6%, Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Texas's 18.1% state average, positioning it slightly above the state norm for housing affordability. This near-average performance places the county in a stable middle ground within the broader Texas housing landscape.

Comparison: Cherokee among East Texas counties

Cherokee County's $880 median rent runs $83 below the state average and compares favorably to rural peers, while a $59,830 median household income falls in the middle range of East Texas. The county's 17.6% housing burden reflects balanced market dynamics with no extreme affordability advantages.

Balanced housing costs in Cherokee

Renters in Cherokee County spend $880 monthly from a $59,830 household income, dedicating 17.6% to rent, while homeowners pay $753 toward a median home value of $160,300. Both figures indicate sustainable housing costs without extraordinary pressure on household budgets.

Cherokee offers East Texas stability

For those considering East Texas relocation, Cherokee County delivers straightforward affordability without the frills of pricier metros or the economic uncertainty of the most rural counties. Its near-average housing burden and moderate home values make it a steady choice for families seeking community over coastal premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cherokee County

via IncomeByCounty

Cherokee County trails national income median

Cherokee County's median household income of $59,830 falls $14,925 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it below average nationwide. The gap reflects economic patterns common in rural and smaller Texas counties.

Below Texas average but near peer counties

At $59,830, Cherokee County's median household income runs $4,907 below the Texas state average of $64,737. The county ranks among lower-income communities statewide, though not at the bottom tier.

Similar to other rural Texas counties

Cherokee County's $59,830 aligns closely with Childress County ($60,333) and Cass County ($54,328), reflecting shared regional economic challenges. All three counties significantly lag higher-income peers like Carson County and Chambers County.

Housing costs manageable but notable

At 17.6%, Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability threshold cautiously, leaving moderate room in household budgets. The median home value of $160,300 is above average for lower-income counties, requiring careful financial planning.

Start small, build consistent wealth

With constrained household budgets, even $25 weekly automatic transfers into savings compound meaningfully over decades. Explore employer pension plans and low-cost IRAs to establish a foundation for long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cherokee County

via CrimeByCounty

Cherokee County Meets National Norms

Cherokee County reports a total crime rate of 2,003.0 per 100,000, which sits slightly below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns it a safety score of 96.8. It offers a balanced safety profile that aligns closely with broader American trends.

Aligning with Texas State Averages

Cherokee County's safety score of 96.8 perfectly matches the Texas state average. Its total crime rate of 2,003.0 also tracks closely with the statewide average of 2,052.5. Eleven reporting agencies work together to maintain this consistent level of public safety.

Regional Safety in East Texas

Cherokee County faces higher crime rates than its neighbor Cass County, which reports only 890.5 per 100,000. However, it remains much safer than coastal Chambers County and its rate of 10,047.4. It represents a middle ground for safety in the eastern half of the state.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

Violent crime in Cherokee County is 432.9 per 100,000, slightly above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is 1,570.1, which is notably lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Residents should remain aware that while theft is less common, violent incidents are slightly elevated.

Simple Steps for Better Safety

Locking doors and using motion-activated lighting are effective ways to deter property crime in your neighborhood. Since violent crime rates are slightly higher than average, staying aware of your surroundings is equally important. Community engagement helps law enforcement keep the county secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cherokee County

via HealthByCounty

Decent longevity, but health concerns persist

Cherokee County residents live to 73.1 years—about 3 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4—and 24.5% report poor or fair health. These numbers indicate significant health challenges despite moderate life expectancy.

Below Texas averages on longevity

Cherokee County's 73.1-year life expectancy trails the Texas average of 74.3 by 1.2 years, though its 19.6% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average of 19.8%. The county sits just slightly behind state norms but shows room for improvement.

Mid-range performer with strong provider access

Cherokee County's 73.1-year life expectancy ranks middle-of-the-pack regionally, but its primary care provider density of 51 per 100K and mental health providers of 111 per 100K are exceptional—the strongest mental health workforce in the entire region. This rich provider base hasn't yet translated into better population health.

Excellent provider access available

Cherokee County boasts outstanding healthcare provider access: 51 primary care doctors per 100K and an exceptional 111 mental health providers per 100K represent among the best ratios in the state. Yet with 19.6% uninsured, nearly 1 in 5 residents cannot access these abundant services due to cost.

Don't miss out on abundant care

Cherokee County residents without insurance should sign up immediately through Healthcare.gov to access the county's rich network of primary and mental health providers. Coverage unlocks what the county has built—thousands of providers ready to help.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cherokee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Education Network in East Texas

Cherokee County features a wide-reaching school system of 24 public campuses serving 11,160 students. Six districts manage the county’s education, including 11 elementary schools and 6 middle schools. This broad network ensures that students in both town and rural areas have accessible local options.

Solid Graduation Rates and Regional Scores

The county maintains a 92.5% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state (91.6%) and national (87.0%) averages. Cherokee County manages these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,788, which is lower than the state average. The overall school score of 54.4 reflects a steady performance near the state's median levels.

Jacksonville and Bullard Lead the Way

Jacksonville ISD is the largest district, educating 4,909 students across 8 different schools. Bullard ISD and Rusk ISD follow, serving 2,886 and 2,055 students respectively. Traditional public districts are the sole providers of education here, as there are no charter schools in the county.

A Mix of Suburban and Rural Vibes

With 16 rural, 6 town, and 2 suburban locales, the county offers a variety of educational atmospheres. Jacksonville High School is the largest campus with 1,331 students, while the county average is 465 students per school. This diversity allows families to choose between larger, resource-heavy high schools and smaller elementary campuses.

Explore Homes in Growing School Districts

From the suburban feel of Bullard to the historic streets of Jacksonville, Cherokee County offers fantastic residential options near quality schools. The county's strong graduation rates make it a safe bet for families investing in their children's future. Browse available homes today to find your place in this East Texas community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cherokee County

via RiskByCounty

Cherokee faces elevated disaster exposure

Cherokee County's composite risk score of 61.64 substantially exceeds the national average, reflecting a Relatively Low but notably elevated risk profile. The county experiences significant exposure across multiple hazard categories, including tornadoes, flooding, and tropical weather.

Above-average risk statewide

At 61.64, Cherokee County's composite risk score ranks well above Texas's average of 49.00, placing it in the higher-exposure tier. The county faces greater natural disaster vulnerability than most Texas regions.

Highest-risk in its comparison group

Cherokee County's 61.64 score exceeds neighboring Cass County (50.80) and Chambers County (51.84), making it the most exposed to natural disasters in this east Texas cluster. Its position in forested Piney Woods terrain amplifies both wildfire and tornado vulnerabilities.

Multiple hazards require diversified planning

Cherokee County faces a severe combination of tornado risk (69.53), hurricane risk (70.71), and wildfire risk (77.83), plus substantial flood exposure (59.19). This multi-hazard profile demands comprehensive preparedness addressing wind, water, and fire threats.

Layer protection across all major hazards

Residents should maintain full-coverage homeowners insurance with specific wind and flood endorsements, plus separate flood insurance given the 59.19 risk score. Building codes-compliant reinforcements and evacuation planning are essential given the county's high tornado and hurricane exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cherokee County

via WeatherByCounty

Humid Piney Woods Climate

Cherokee County's 65.0°F average temperature sits well above the national median. It is a quintessential East Texas environment defined by high humidity and dense forest growth.

Mirroring the State Average

The county's 65.0°F average temperature almost perfectly matches the state benchmark of 65.5°F. However, its 48.2 inches of annual rain is far higher than the state average of 31.9 inches.

Warmer than its Neighbors

Cherokee is slightly warmer than Cass County to its northeast, which averages 64.4°F. Both counties share the heavy rainfall patterns that define the eastern third of the state.

Long, Sultry Summer Heat

Summer heat is persistent, with 83 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 82.1°F. Winters are very mild at 48.3°F, seeing only trace amounts of snow at 0.3 inches.

Plan for Wet Summers

High-efficiency cooling is vital for the 81.0°F summer average. Homeowners should ensure proper drainage to handle the 48.2 inches of rain and prevent foundation issues in the sandy soil.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cherokee County

via SoilByCounty

Classic East Texas Acidic Sands

Cherokee County has an average soil pH of 5.59, which is notably acidic compared to the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the region and falls below the Texas state average of 7.09. Gardeners here often need to add lime to balance the pH for traditional vegetable crops.

High Sand Content Dominates

With 64.9% sand, the soil here is very coarse and allows for easy root expansion. Silt makes up 20.5% and clay only 14.6%, which means the soil is easy to work but doesn't hold nutrients as well as heavier mixes. This high sand percentage is a defining characteristic of the local landscape.

Lean Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.23%, sitting below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.122 in/in is also lower than the Texas average of 0.133 in/in. Frequent organic amendments and consistent mulching are necessary to keep these sandy soils productive during hot summers.

Slow Infiltration Despite Sand

Surprisingly, the soil is classified in hydrologic group D, indicating high runoff potential despite the high sand content. This often occurs when a restrictive clay layer sits beneath the sandy surface. Effective water management is crucial to prevent erosion on sloped East Texas terrain.

Endless Potential in Zone 8b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, Cherokee County supports a wide variety of southern staples. Roses and fruit trees, particularly peaches, thrive in this climate and sandy texture. With a bit of extra organic matter, your garden can become a lush, productive retreat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cherokee County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate challenges in East Texas

Cherokee County has a lawn difficulty score of 36.5, making it slightly easier to manage than the average Texas county. While this is better than the state mark of 31.7, it still trails the national average of 50.0 significantly. Homeowners in this 8b hardiness zone should expect a standard set of Southern lawn care challenges.

High moisture levels and steady heat

Annual precipitation of 48.2 inches sits at the high end of the ideal range, providing a strong natural water supply for your turf. However, 83 extreme heat days and 6,029 growing degree days mean your lawn will grow aggressively and require frequent mowing. This high-growth environment is perfect for warm-season grasses but can be physically demanding for the mower.

Correcting acidity in sandy soils

The soil pH of 5.59 is acidic, which can inhibit the growth of common turfgrasses if left uncorrected. With a high sand content of 64.9%, the ground drains quickly but may struggle to hold onto nutrients. Adding lime and organic compost will help neutralize the acidity and improve the water-holding capacity of your sandy yard.

Navigating persistent dry periods

Cherokee County faced 21 weeks of drought over the past year, and nearly half the county currently experiences severe drought. Because the sandy soil dries out so fast, you must monitor your lawn closely for signs of wilting during these periods. Utilizing a smart irrigation controller can help you save water while maintaining just enough moisture to prevent dormancy.

Successful planting in zone 8b

Bermudagrass and Centipede grass are both excellent choices for the acidic, sandy conditions found in Cherokee County. Plan your project for late March, after the last frost on March 22, to give the grass the full summer to thrive. The first fall frost doesn't typically arrive until November 25, providing a generous window for your lawn to mature.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherokee County's county score?
Cherokee County, Texas has a composite county score of 33.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Cherokee County rank among counties in Texas?
Cherokee County ranks #185 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Cherokee County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Cherokee County is $1,941, with an effective tax rate of 1.21%. This earns Cherokee County a tax score of 25.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cherokee County?
The median household income in Cherokee County, Texas is $59,830 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cherokee County earns an income score of 38.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cherokee County, Texas a good place to live?
Cherokee County scores 33.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #185 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Cherokee County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Cherokee County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.